The simplest way to create a left leaning decrease is to knit two stitches together through the back loop (k2tog tbl). This stitch can be found in many lace patterns and was the decrease of choice before the invention of the slick ssk stitch.
K2tog tbl
What you are describing is an ssk which is a smoother left leaning decrease. Some patterns call for the k2tog tbl instead because the twist is a design element.
Try this: reposition the orientation of the two knit stitches in question and then knit through the back loops as you do in the video. The decrease will still lean to the left and the stitches will not be twisted. It’s the knitting through the back of the loops which makes the left lean, not the twist in the stitches.
Yes, it will twist the stitches. The k2tog tbl is designed to be a left leaning decrease and the twist is what gets them to lean to the left. Happy knitting!
But this will twist both stitches, right? Unless you’ve knit them the Eastern way.
Good eagle eyes! The k2tog tbl and the ssk are both left leaning decreases. However, the ssk is a bit tidier and more closely mirrors a k2tog.
Is this the same as an SSK – Looks like it.